Judging a Book by its Cover

We don't do that, do we? Um, maybe. At least it's what first catches our eye. But I sure hope our reader friends take a look at the back cover, then get stuck into the first page or two. Even so, we tend to judge people by their appearance instead of getting to know them first.

Back to books. The cover of my book, FIRE in the ROCK has a lone chimney standing among ruins. I hope to get folk to wonder what happened there. And the following is my back cover copy:

At the turn of the 20th century, Australia, in a spirit of growing independence shrugs off many of its ties with the "Old Country". Some class distinctions linger, boundaries between men and women are clearly defined and social conventions strict, but with common decency and good manners valued highly people act kindly toward each other.

In this setting a well-meant deception finds a young woman involved in a desperate search to unearth crucial information. For the truth, preserved by its wary keepers, lies buried in the opal fields of the vast and thirsty Outback.

And realizing her future depends on the choice between two rivals of diverse faiths, she hesitates in the belief that those she cares for most always seem to be taken from her. But when it appears she has lost everything, she discovers that true love, like faith, does not depend on feelings alone.

I'd like to offer a copy of my book to the first ten of readers' comments. The winners can find me at this site, www.ritastellagalieh.com at contact & when you email don't forget your name and address.